Will We Like Villas At Wilderness Lodge?

[My 2 princesses]

We own at BLT but have stayed at BLT, Kidani Village, Boardwalk and SSR. We really like BLT and Kidani. Now we are thinking of trying VWL. Kids are 8 and 3. Will they like it?? I hear it is not too far from the Lodge so it should not be too bad. Is the pool good for the 3 year old? I don't see a kiddie slide and looks like it's not zero entry either. I like the boat to MK but I don't think we will spend too much time in MK this time as in January they preferred Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[cvjw]

If you want to spend the majority of your time at EPCOT and HS, I wouldn't stay at VWL, I would stay at BCV or BWV. You have to take a bus to both parks from VWL, whereas you can walk (or take a boat) from BCV and BWV. We personally love VWL, it is one of our home resorts, but it isn't that convenient to any park except the MK.

 

[disneynutz]

You won't know until you try it.

Bill

 

[wheelcap]

If you like Kidani, you'll love VWL!! The building has a bit more character, and feels more-solid and like a better building. It's closer to the lodge than AKVK is to AK Lodge. I love AK Lodge, but I think the property, the store, the pool area, and the food options are better at Wilderness Lodge. Yet, the villas are just far enough away for privacy and quiet, like at Kidani. In case you can't tell, I prefer VWL to AKVK - you if you like Kidani, you'll love VWL!!

 

[DVCAmy]

We like VWL better than Kidani although the pool at Kidani is fantastic for kids. VWL always feels quieter to me and more "away from the parks" but I never had any problems with busing or using the boat. I did not bring my kids when I stayed there so I didn't really think about it from a kids perpective. VW is much closer to the lodge than Kidani is to Jamba. It reminds me more of the set up of the Beach Club and the BCV.

Enjoy!

Amy

 

[ems_mom]

I think you will love VWL. It has such fantastic theming, great CM's and a nice location. There are multiple transportation options; you can catch a boat to the MK and take the monorail to Epcot, but there is also a direct bus.

I've only had one stay there but it was awesome. Its a beautiful hotel with lots of activities. The staff at the pin cart are great with kids (and adults who act like kids). The restaurant on the lobby was always busy and full of children's voices. (We didn't get a chance to eat there.) The pool is also a great place for kids.

You'll never know until you try, but I think your family will love the VWL.

 

[Dawn16]

The Villas are super close to the Lodge so you can easily use the Lodge pool which has a kiddie pool that would work for your youngest. I prefer it to Kidani and consider it to be more like Jambo House at AKV which we also love. It's got great a great laid back quiet atmosphere as compared to BWV or BCV (you didn't mention BWV in your list of those you liked so I'm thinking you didn't?). As far as bus service, it's always been good for us during our stays so getting to Epcot and the Studios won't be difficult.

 

[Cee]

The buses can be hit or miss there, but VWL is an awesome place. It has EVERYTHING. Beach, great main pool, outstanding lobby and restaurants....the list goes on and on. I don't think you'll be disappointed but as another poster said, you won't know until you try it!

 

[sleepydog25]

We own at BLT but have stayed at BLT, Kidani Village, Boardwalk and SSR. We really like BLT and Kidani. Now we are thinking of trying VWL. Kids are 8 and 3. Will they like it?? I hear it is not too far from the Lodge so it should not be too bad. Is the pool good for the 3 year old? I don't see a kiddie slide and looks like it's not zero entry either. I like the boat to MK but I don't think we will spend too much time in MK this time as in January they preferred Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Any thoughts appreciated.

I own at VWL, so my opinion is hardly unbiased, still I believe you'd find that the resort works well for a family. As one poster mentioned, the best direct access is to MK via boat; beyond that, you are at the mercies of the buses. However, I've rarely had any issues with them while staying at VWL. Here are some other highlights:
- large pool with slide at the main Lodge which literally is less than a minute away from the Hidden Springs pool at the Villas--there's a pool bar at the main pool, too
- Hidden Springs has bubbles--there are numerous bubbling spots as if the pool sits above a real spring--and is not as crowded as the main pool. Both pools have hot tub areas nearby.
- Bike and boat rental sit right behind the Hidden Springs pool, and you can walk or bike over to Ft Wilderness, about one mile. They have ponies at FW, as well as decent eating options for families.
- Roaring Fork CS is fairly good and easily accessible from the Villas. The Villas sit right next to the main Lodge--it's quite a short walk. WCC is beloved by many, though it isn't a favorite of mine. AP is a top tier restaurant should you wish to try a signature meal.
- The beach area can be fun for kids, and at night you can catch both the EWP out in the lake and the higher explosions of Wishes.
- Ask for a Hidden Mickey sheet at the check-in desk, and try to find them all. That could take awhile.
- The theming and architecture of WL is very inviting to kids and adults alike. Just walking around the lobbies and the pool areas themselves is a real treat.

All in all, VWL is a much quieter resort than others in which I've stayed, and that is a large part of the attraction to me. It relaxes me after long days in the park. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Sandisw]

I think you will love VWL. It has such fantastic theming, great CM's and a nice location. There are multiple transportation options; you can catch a boat to the MK and take the monorail to Epcot, but there is also a direct bus.

I've only had one stay there but it was awesome. Its a beautiful hotel with lots of activities. The staff at the pin cart are great with kids (and adults who act like kids). The restaurant on the lobby was always busy and full of children's voices. (We didn't get a chance to eat there.) The pool is also a great place for kids.

You'll never know until you try, but I think your family will love the VWL.

The only way to monorail from VWL is to take a boat to the CR, take the monorail to the TTC, and then change to the Epcot monorail.

While possible, I would not consider this a viable option unless someone just wants to do it as an adventure.

 

[DiznyDi]

The only way to monorail from VWL is to take a boat to the CR, take the monorail to the TTC, and then change to the Epcot monorail.

While possible, I would not consider this a viable option unless someone just wants to do it as an adventure.

This is exactly what we do and prefer it to waiting on a bus. There is not a dedicated WL bus. The bus also stops at the Grand Floridian and/or Fort Wilderness.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

We love VWL! It's one of my favorites. The main lobby still takes my breath away!

Things we liked:
- Bus service
- Location - It is close to MK, and seems close to the other parks and DTD.
- Food options (especially Whispering Canyon)
- The atmosphere (grounds are just beautiful, and the resort is very relaxed)

 

[pkitty]

It is beautiful there....have stayed at all the DVC's, own at AKL and SSR......but I stay at VWL whenever I get a chance. Last trip my 17 dd sat in the lobby in front of the fireplace until 12am just enjoying ourselves and catching up. Great resort and beautiful amenities

 

[DVC Dude]

I have to be honest and say that the "inside" of the rooms are getting dated. I am not saying they are bad, but compared to Kidani and BLT, I was a little disappointed with VWL as I liked the other resort rooms much better.

I was there in November and liked the resort and everything outside the actual rooms. I also had a long wait for the bus to EPCOT and then took an extended excursion by taking the monorail back to TTS, loop to CR, and then boat to VWL.

I used to be an original owner at VWL but sold those points a while ago.

 

[robertdangelo]

We own at BLT and BVC... we stayed at VWL last trip on a split stay with BLT. We loved the theming both in the villas, the lodge and grounds. If we were to add on again... this place would be at the top of the list.

 

[jerseygal]

We loved Kidani this past summer, but are trying out Wilderness Lodge Villas pre Disney Dream cruise....Then post-cruise, we will be staying one night at Boardwalk Villas! Can't wait to try out 2 new resorts for us! Hope we love it as much as Jambo and Kidani!